Waratahs hooker Latu suspended over drunk-drive charge

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Sydney - Apologetic
Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu was on Tuesday stood down by the Waratahs
after being charged with drunk-driving and failing to tell the club
about it.

The 26-year-old, who was withdrawn from a Wallabies training camp
after the news broke late on Saturday, will not play before a court
appearance on June 6, meaning he will miss at least two Super Rugby
games - against the Jaguares and the Rebels.

NSW Rugby chief executive Andrew Hore said the organisation was
disappointed in Latu, with the incident another headache for a sport
still reeling from the Israel Folau scandal.

"Tolu's actions are a serious breach of the standards we set for the
players, coaches and staff both on and off the field," Hore said in a
statement after Latu met with Rugby Australia's integrity unit.

"He is regretful of his actions and has taken full responsibility,
and Waratahs will provide him with the necessary support and further
education."

The hooker was reportedly found slumped behind the wheel of a car in
the early hours of Thursday morning in Sydney, with his club only
learning about it when contacted by the media on Saturday.

"I'm disappointed with my actions, because I recognise the
seriousness of this situation," Latu, who has played 12 Tests, said in
the same statement.

"I want to apologise to my team-mates and New South Wales Rugby
Union. I also want to apologise to the rugby community, I know that my
actions do not reflect well on the game."

Latu, who only returned last weekend from a six-week suspension for
dangerous play, said he accepted full responsibility and "any potential
sanctions from my court case".

"I also recognise I should have spoken to the coach earlier," he added.

It is a double blow for the Waratahs, who have also lost the services
of star fullback Folau, who was sacked on Monday for posting homophobic
comments on social media.